Agonize over that roll of belly fat that refuses to retreat, despite endless crunches and trips to the gym?

If you are like the vast majority of women, and a growing number of men, you answer “yes” to the latter questions far too often.

Statistics confirm that many people have a critical and harsh relationship with their bodies. They suffer from Negative Body Obsession, a condition marked by the near-constant and critical rumination about one’s physical appearance.

Whether you are a woman going through menopause, an adolescent in the midst of puberty, or a man slowly losing his once thick head of hair, it seems that no one is immune from these negative body thoughts.

Look at these startling numbers:

Between 1997 and 2007, cosmetic surgery increased by 457%.

By 2015, 17% of U.S. residents will receive cosmetic surgery, totaling 55 million procedures. That’s almost one procedure for every five Americans.

Approximately eight million Americans have an eating disorder.

One in 200 American women suffers from anorexia.

Two to three in 100 American women suffer from bulimia.

An estimated 10-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are males.

Binge-eating disorder is thought to affect 2-5% of the general population.

One study found that one in ten teenage girls either binge eats or purges at least once a week. Binge eating among boys is 3%.

Fortunately, you can choose not to be a number. You can learn to feel great in and about your body, and you can begin without changing a single thing. You don’t have to invest in expensive plastic surgery, spend countless hours in the gym, or engage in extreme dieting.

You can actually use the power of your mind to change how you feel about your body so that you finally delight in your physical form. And you can do it right now.

Here are six simple steps to help you feel sexy in your skin:

1. Become aware of what you are thinking.

The first step is to become aware of the stories you are telling yourself about your body. Notice when you critique your body for being too much of this and not enough of that. You will discover that many of these thoughts are habitual, patterned responses that are not true reflections of reality. Explore the idea that you can start feeling beautiful immediately, in this moment, without changing a single thing.

2. Set an intention to change how you look at your body. Here are some examples:

When you grimace at your wrinkles in the mirror, set an intention to find beauty in your reflection.

When you want to suck in your stomach in a vain attempt to make it disappear, set an intention to appreciate the body that you have right now.

When you long to fit into a smaller clothing size, set an intention to unconditionally accept your body.

Make a conscious commitment to change the way you look at your body and yourself.

3. Take time to connect within.

Are you waiting at the bus stop on your way to work? Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to focus on the present moment.

Are you in the shower, getting ready to start your day? Turn your attention to the feeling of warm water cascading against you, gently caressing your body, and allow yourself to relax.

Practicing this present-moment awareness will help refine your ability to identify and detach from the negative dialogue about your body.

Remember to exercise, and make it enjoyable. If the gym makes you cringe, opt instead for yoga, Pilates, dance, or good old walking.

In our harried and hurried world, take time to relax and rejuvenate.

Offer gratitude to your body and appreciation for its unwavering support and devotion.

5. Create Meaningful Moments.

Every day is filled with countless tasks and errands. Remember that you can imbue each moment with meaning. It can be as simple as smiling at everyone you meet, reacting with compassion and love instead of anger, or making sure to tell your friends and loved ones how much you care about them.

6. You were born beautiful.

Believing that you are unattractive is a learned habit. You can unlearn it and discover the Joy, Peace, and Love that are your natural states and birthrights.

So that’s it—Six Simple Steps to start feeling beautiful, right now, in this moment. You won’t have to go anywhere or do anything. There is nothing you can do, say, or buy that will make you any more perfect than you are in this very moment. Know this, and you will revel in your true beauty.

Sarah Maria is the author of Love Your Body, Love Your Life. The book outlines her five-step process for helping you feel great in and about your body and yourself. Click here to purchase your copy and begin to love your body today. To learn more about Sarah Maria and her work, you can visit her website at www.sarahmaria.com and www.breakfreebeauty.com.

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